Ten years ago, if someone had told me I’d be advocating for a clinical trial using psychedelics to treat postpartum depression, I would have laughed. It would have seemed impossible, even reckless. But motherhood changed everything.

I still remember the exact moment I knew something was deeply wrong. It was 3 AM, my newborn finally asleep in my arms, and I was sitting on the nursery floor sobbing—not from exhaustion, but from a profound sense of despair. This wasn’t the “baby blues” that everyone warns you about. This was something heavier. I loved my child more than anything, yet I felt detached, empty, and convinced I was failing as a mother.

At the time, I didn’t know this, but 1 in 8 mothers experience postpartum depression (PPD)—a staggering statistic for a condition that is so often hidden behind forced smiles and “I’m fine” responses wasn’t just sadness; it was a complete disconnection from the experience of motherhood. I was physically present but emotionally absent, trapped in a fog I didn’t know how to lift.

When I finally spoke up at my six-week postpartum checkup, my doctor confirmed what I had been avoiding: I had PPD. She recommended therapy and antidepressants. But finding time for treatment while caring for a newborn felt impossible. And I hesitated with medication. Would it numb me even more? Would I become dependent? What about side effects?

I wasn’t alone in these concerns. Many mothers hesitate to take antidepressants due to potential side effects, worries about breastfeeding, or the fear of “not feeling like themselves”. Even with help, only 6% receive adequate treatment, and a shockingly low 3% achieve remission.

Traditional antidepressants can take weeks or months to work, and even newer PPD-specific treatments come with significant barriers. One requires a 60-hour hospital infusion, while another is an oral sedative taken for two weeks. While promising, these options don’t understand the reality of early motherhood, where every minute is consumed by feeding schedules, diaper changes, and sleepless nights.

PPD isn’t just “regular” depression that happens to new moms—it’s its own beast. It impacts maternal bonding, increases the risk of relationship strain, and, in severe cases, can lead to suicidal thoughts. And here’s a heartbreaking truth: mental health, including PPD, is the leading cause of maternal death in the first year postpartum. This isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about survival.

A Promising Alternative: Psychedelic Therapy

The first time I heard about psychedelics as a treatment for depression, I dismissed it as wishful thinking. But as I dug into the research, I realized it wasn’t just some fringe idea—it was science-backed and gaining serious traction.

Substances like psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) have been studied for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety, showing rapid and long-lasting relief in controlled therapeutic settings.

For postpartum depression, psychedelics offer something traditional therapy can’t do: a way to reconnect.

One of the defining features of PPD is disconnection—from yourself, your baby, and the world around you. Researchers believe psychedelics could help by fostering a profound sense of connection and emotional openness, essentially “rebooting” the brain. Studies suggest that these experiences could help mothers rebuild their bond with a sense of joy, and process lingering trauma from birth.

Another major advantage? Speed. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, they can produce noticeable improvements within hours or days**. That kind of rapid action could be life-changing for a mother in crisis.

I know what I thought: This sounds extreme. Is it even safe?

It’s a valid concern. Psychedelics have a complicated reputation, but when used in clinical settings under professional supervision, they are non-addictive and have a strong safety profile.

That said, they aren’t for everyone. Women with a history of bipolar disorder or psychosis should avoid them, as they can trigger manic or psychotic episodes. Additionally, clinical trials require careful screening to ensure participants are healthy and supported.

One exciting development in RECONNECT**, a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating a single-dose psychedelic therapy for PPD. The trial studies RE104, a shorter-acting psilocybin-like compound, designed to deliver the same therapeutic benefits in 3-4 hours instead of 6-8.

This means a mother wouldn’t be spending an entire day in an altered state—just a few hours, in a controlled, guided session with a medical professional, is specifically designed to evaluate whether a one-time treatment can significantly reduce PPD symptoms within just one week.

If you’re a new mom struggling with postpartum depression, you might be wondering: Should I?

Here’s why you might consider it:

Potential for Rapid Relief—Unlike traditional medications, which can take weeks, this treatment may produce improvements within days.

Non-Daily Treatment – Instead of a long-term medication regimen, this trial explores whether one session can create lasting effects.

Professional Supervision. Participants receive comprehensive medical care throughout the study, ensuring their safety.

Compensation & Support – Provides compensation and support for time and travel, making participation more accessible.

Advancing Science & Helping Other Moms – By participating, you contribute to groundbreaking research that could change the future of maternal mental health.

I know the word “psychedelic” might feel scary. It certainly did for me at first. But my perspective changed after reading the research and hearing the stories of mothers who found healing through these therapies.

Motherhood is hard. And for some of us, postpartum depression makes it even harder. The expectation to be “blissful” while secretly drowning is cruel, and the stigma around mental health treatments—especially nontraditional ones—only makes it worse.

If you’re struggling, please know this: You are not alone, you are not broken, and you deserve options.

I never thought I’d be advocating for a psychedelic clinical trial. But here I am—because I believe mothers deserve better. If you’re curious, I encourage you to learn more. This could be the breakthrough so many of us have been waiting for.

Are you interested in participating in the RECONNECT clinical trial? Learn more and see if you qualify here.